I'm looking to go to Cotopaxi and the surrounding peaks during Dec 25-30. I'm a rock climber, but totally new to mountaineering. Any recommendations for guides around Quito, and also itineraries? I checked a few out on the web: 5 day trips that include some acclimatization climbs, but if you can point me to some guides based on your experiences there, that would be great!

Also, I think there are a few Washington (and other U.S.)-based mountain guide services that run instructional mountaineering programs on the Trilogia Ecuatoriana (package/not Cotopaxi only). Check out AAI, Mountain Madness, Alpine Ascents, etc.

My daughter and I had a great experience this past June on a (4) peak adventure/ Pasochoa, Corazon, Illiniza Norte, Cotopaxi /. We used Edgar Parra at Lonelysummits.com. He is based out of Machachi. We were successful on all (4) peaks due, in great part, to a well coordinated effort by Edgar. Keep in mind Cotopaxi has roughly a 50% success rate. I feel we were successful due to the proper acclimatization regimen & determination by the guides. I submitted a Trip Report for Cotopaxi titled "no problems no worries" which might give you more specific information.

Anybody hear anything through the grapevine about Sierra Nevada Expeditions (based in Quito) lately? I had been in email contact with them Sept to mid October and for the last 4 weeks they are not replying to anything all... I had hoped to plan a mountaineering trip with them for 10-12 days in early February.

athom110 wrote:Anybody hear anything through the grapevine about Sierra Nevada Expeditions (based in Quito) lately? I had been in email contact with them Sept to mid October and for the last 4 weeks they are not replying to anything all... I had hoped to plan a mountaineering trip with them for 10-12 days in early February.